It's one of the most poignant - and funny - scenes in The Full Monty. Body-conscious Dave wraps himself in clingfilm and turns on the heater in the bathroom to try and sweat off weight. Then he wolfs down a Mars Bar!

But John Eddie, who plays Dave in BATS' production of The Full Monty, has a confession to make: "I've never seen the original film!"

John Eddie

But John has familiarised himself with the American musical version BATS are performing, thanks to videos on YouTube.

It's the story of six jobless steel workers who hit on the idea of staging a strip show to raise some cash.

And John is more than aware of the expectation surrounding him and his fellow actors, who spend the show in various states of undress - building of course to the spectacular finale where the guys have promised to bare all.

"At first I was nervous and uncomfortable, but then you realise it's not just me up there, it's a group of us, and we're all going into the unknown!"

And yes, the gents are already practising their thong-shedding routine. "Split second timing is crucial - not just from us but also from the lighting team!"

It sounds like rehearsals have been all about losing inhibitions. "I also twerked for the first time in my life the other day!" laughs John.

Alongside John, The Full Monty also features Paul Morris as Jerry, Richard Bond as Harold, Tim Bell as Horse, Ian Moseley as Malcolm and Bryn Hughes as Ethan.

They'll be strutting their stuff at the Haymarket, Basingstoke from 16th-26th November.